Bavarian Prealps

Mountain Range · Bavaria, 🇩🇪 Germany

Area 1,630 km²

Time zone Europe/Berlin, Europe/Vienna

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Featured Lists

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Bavarian Prealps Unmissables

The Bavarian Prealps encompass a diverse landscape of deep alpine lakes like Walchensee and Tegernsee, alongside historical landmarks such as the 8th-century Benediktbeuern Abbey. This region features the Wendelstein Rack Railway, one of Germany's oldest mountain railways, and the Slyrs distillery, which produces Bavarian single malt whisky. Visitors can explore the 13th-century ruins of Werdenfels Castle or experience traditional rural life at the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum near Schliersee.

20 places

Sven.petersen / Public domain

Bavarian Peaks and Vistas

The Bavarian Prealps offer a diverse range of elevations and geological features, from the 1,838-meter Wendelstein to the limestone ridge of the Benediktenwand. This collection highlights prominent summits in the Mangfallgebirge and the Rotwand group, including the Herzogstand-Heimgarten ridge walk. Many peaks, such as the Wallberg and Brauneck, are accessible via cable cars or established hiking trails, providing panoramic views of the Tegernsee valley and the Isar river. These mountains serve as a natural border between Bavaria and Tyrol, characterized by rugged formations and alpine meadows.

20 places

Константин Левицкий / CC-BY-SA

Bavarian Culinary Delights

This selection features traditional eateries across the Bavarian Prealps, ranging from historic monastic breweries like Herzogliches Bräustüberl Tegernsee to high-altitude alpine huts such as Wank-Haus at 1,780 meters. The list highlights regional specialties, including the extensive cake selection at Café Winklstüberl and locally brewed beers. Many locations, such as Taubensteinhaus and Schuhbräualm, offer outdoor seating with views of the surrounding peaks, while others like Biorestaurant Garmischer Hof focus on certified organic regional ingredients.

20 places

Octagon / CC BY 3.0

Castles and Ruins of Bavaria

Explore a diverse collection of fortifications across the Bavarian Prealps, ranging from the 13th-century ruins of Werdenfels overlooking the Loisach valley to the well-preserved Tegernsee Abbey. The list highlights unique architectural styles, including the moated Schloss Reichersbeuern and the high-altitude ruins of Hohenwaldeck, situated 986 meters above Schliersee. These sites include rock castles like Auerburg in the Inn Valley and spur castles like Kirnstein, offering insights into the region's medieval defensive history and noble estates.

18 places

Stefan Meister / CC BY-SA 4.0

Historic Churches and Chapels

This collection showcases the spiritual landmarks of the Bavarian Prealps, featuring architectural styles ranging from Romanesque foundations to ornate Baroque interiors. Highlights include the expansive Benediktbeuern Abbey with its renowned Anastasia Chapel, and the neo-Gothic Riedersteinkapelle perched on a rocky outcrop above Tegernsee. The list also encompasses local parish churches in Kiefersfelden and Schliersee, alongside pilgrimage sites like the late-Baroque Schwarzlack church, reflecting the deep-rooted religious traditions and regional heritage of Upper Bavaria.

19 places

Mikmaq / CC BY 3.0

Alpine Huts and Shelters

This collection of alpine huts and shelters spans the Bavarian Prealps, including the Mangfallgebirge and Estergebirge ranges. Located at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to nearly 1,800 meters, these sites are managed by various sections of the German Alpine Club (DAV) or private owners. Many provide traditional regional cuisine and overnight accommodations, serving as key nodes for multi-day hiking routes. Notable locations include the Wank-Haus on the Wank summit and the historical Rotwandhaus.

20 places